The Importance of Outdoor Play: Insights from the Royal Children’s Hospital Study

The Importance of Outdoor Play: Insights from the Royal Children’s Hospital Study

Posted by Kellie Macpherson on

Let’s face it, life today is busier than ever. Between juggling work, school drop-offs, and the never-ending pull of screens, it’s no wonder kids are spending less time outside. But here’s the thing: outdoor play is not just about fun. It’s about growth, health, and creating those moments of magic every kid deserves. That’s where the 2023 Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) National Child Health Poll really hits home. It’s a reminder of how important play is—and how much we need to make time for it.

A group of 5 young children playing outside with a cubby house in the background

The disappearing act:
Where did outdoor play go?

Here’s a stat that might surprise you: less than half of Aussie kids (45%) play outdoors most days. Compare that to when we were kids, running around the backyard until the streetlights came on. Times have definitely changed. Between urbanisation, safety concerns, and the lure of tablets and gaming consoles, outdoor play has taken a serious hit.

But here’s the kicker: 80% of parents actually wish their kids spent more time outside. So, what gives? Why the gap? It’s clear that something needs to change, and the first step is understanding why this is happening.

Royal Children Hospital Study results - Where Australian children play most days of the week.
Royal Children Hospital Study results

Why getting outside matters
(it’s more than fresh air)

We all know playing outside is good for kids, but it’s more than just a way to burn off energy. According to the RCH poll, 94% of parents agree that play is crucial for kids’ physical and brain development. That’s nearly everyone! And the benefits don’t stop there:

  • Building connections: Outdoor play helps kids learn how to work with others, whether it’s building a fort or deciding who’s “it” in a game of tag.

  • Creativity unleashed: Nature is the best playground. Kids can turn a stick into a magic wand or a pile of leaves into a dragon’s nest.

  • Stress relief: Time outside can reduce stress levels by up to 28%. Who doesn’t need a bit of that?

  • Getting moving: From climbing trees to running around, outdoor play keeps kids active and healthy.

3 young children prentending to be shop owners of a fish and chip shop cubby house
a statement from a poll of parents about the importance of outdoor play
A statistical image showing the top concerns parents have about their children playing outdoors

So, what’s standing in the way?

So, what’s stopping kids from getting outside more? The RCH study points to a few big hurdles:

  1. Safety worries: About 1 in 5 parents with little ones (1–5 years) are nervous about things like traffic and injuries.

  2. Busy schedules: Let’s be honest, life’s hectic. Over a third of parents (35%) say they just can’t find the time.

  3. Weather woes: For parents of toddlers and preschoolers, bad weather is a deal-breaker 43% of the time.

  4. Screen time competition: Among teens, 37% simply prefer staying inside with their devices.

While these barriers are real, they’re not impossible to overcome. It’s about finding small ways to make outdoor play a bigger part of everyday life.

A group of young children playing outdoors, reading books and playing cubby houses

Making outdoor play happen

If we want kids to spend more time outside, we’ve got to make it easier and more appealing. Here’s how:

1. Make your backyard a fun zone

You don’t need a fancy setup. A simple cubby house, a swing, or even a patch of grass for a game of catch can work wonders. Kids love having a space they can call their own.

2. Let kids take safe risks

Climbing trees or building forts teaches kids how to problem-solve and boosts their confidence. Yes, there’s a bit of risk involved, but that’s how they learn.

3. Build outdoor time into your routine

How about a weekly park visit or a post-dinner walk? These little moments add up and help make outdoor play a habit.

4. Cut down on screen time

It’s not about banning devices; it’s about balance. Swap an hour of screen time for an hour outside and see how it changes the vibe.

5. Join the fun

Kids are way more likely to play outside if you’re out there with them. Kick a ball around, plant a garden together, or just enjoy a walk—it’s good for everyone.

Children playing cubby houses as a pretend Fish and Chip Shop at the beach

Real stories, real impact

The RCH study doesn’t just give us stats—it’s full of stories that show the magic of outdoor play. Take one family who built a cubby house in their backyard. It became more than just a play area; it was a stage for adventures, a hideout, and a place where imaginations ran wild. Another family made a habit of weekend park visits, turning it into a cherished ritual that brought everyone closer together.

Let’s bring outdoor play back!

The message from the RCH poll is clear: outdoor play isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. It’s how kids grow, learn, and connect—with nature, with others, and with themselves. And it’s up to all of us to make it happen.

So, what can you do today? Start small. Set up a play space, plan a family outing, or just step outside together. Need some inspiration? Check out our range of cubby houses for families—they’re designed to spark creativity and bring a sense of adventure right to your backyard.

Let’s make 2025 the year we let play shine, one outdoor adventure at a time.

See how our families are making outdoor play an integral part of their home and famiily life

A mum and her young son interacting outside his wooden cubby house

As a travelling Cellist and busy mum, outdoor family connection time is super more important to Lily Thornton.

A young child drawing on her chalkboard outside her wooden cubby house

Creative mum Jess Farthing places outdoor play at the centre of their world, creating amazing worlds in the process.

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